What would you ask a cabinet nominee?

The Department of Education was established in 1979 with a budget of $14.2 billion. The 2015 budget was $69 billion. Through the years, the quality of education in this nation has decreased as federal control and spending has increased. As a result of mandates by the federal government, many parents feel they have no control over their children’s lives and are treated as if what goes on in the schools is really not their concern – the education establishment knows best. Considering the state of education in this nation, this idea that education bureaucrats know best is questionable, at best. My question is: Do you agree that greater federal control has been detrimental to education, and, if so, what steps would you take to start returning more control to the states and especially to local school boards?

I have the same question for Jeff Sessions, the Attorney General nominee and Scott Pruitt, the Environmental Protection Agency nominee:

“As the head of your respective agency, what do you feel your role is, beyond the typical management role?”

It is a benign yet insightful question. It asks the nominees to explain how they feel about rules making, policy enforcement and regulation creation. The question asks how the nominees feel about micromanagement at the federal level. Ultimately, it asks how each nominee proposes to use the precious few resources they have at their disposal.

We the people, through our elected representatives in Washington, have every right to know what these individuals feel and believe. After hearing their answers, it is also our right and responsibility to inform our elected officials how we believe they should vote.

I would ask Rick Perry, secretary of Energy nominee: “Which department would you eliminate?” The department and his job would be safe if he can’t remember. Also, no Red Bull for him.

I would ask Elaine Chao, secretary of Transportation nominee: “Do you agree with Paul Simon there are 50 ways to leave your lover?” Also, “Is ‘hop on the bus Gus’ the best line in the song or is the song better changed to ‘ride on the train Elaine?’”

I would ask Ben Carson, secretary of Housing and Urban Development nominee: “As a retired neurosurgeon, will you develop a new acronym for your department instead of HUD, which has the urban meaning of “hope you die?”

I would ask Betsy DeVos, secretary of Education nominee: “Would you allow the Beach Boys to be true to their school or would you make them choose another?” Also, “Were you a cheerleader?”

George Timothy Mason

Salisbury

David Shulkin, Veterans Affairs

The cabinet nominee for secretary of Veterans Affairs is David Shulkin; he is currently the undersecretary of Veterans Affairs. My questions would center on his plan to improve services at the VA. Specifically, center questions around his performance thus far; since he has been with VA since 2015. I would ask if he thinks services at the VA. have been lackluster. I hope he has not been part of the problem at the VA. and our representatives see the same conflict.

The other questions would center on his organizational strategy and who he plans to bring on board as undersecretary. Hopefully, it will not be business as usual. Shulkin is a medical doctor, but has no military experience.

I am a reserved optimist when it comes to this nomination. Our veterans have for too long been victims of a major bureaucracy. It is time to act.

Betsy DeVos would be the main candidate I would have a couple of question for.

One, I have aspiration for graduate school, so naturally, I would ask her what she plans for colleges?

Second, I would ask her “What is your opinion of working with a man (Donald Trump) who wants to see education shrink to state level?”

I wonder what are her plans to increase funding for education?

Another question for her would be why the delay for her ethics reviews to be submitted.

If she is truly ready to be in a position like this, I wouldn’t see any problems with her ethics.

John Livengood

UMES Graduate

Laurel, Maryland

Ben Carson, Housing and Urban Development

I have lots of questions regarding qualifications regarding all of the cabinet nominees but I guess if I had to pick one, it would be Ben Carson.

According to his previous statements, he didn’t believe he had the qualifications for a cabinet post (although he did think he had qualifications, evidently, to be president, since he ran in the primary).

I’m wondering what exactly are his qualifications to be the secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. How did his previous occupation as a neurosurgeon qualify him for this post?

I recognize that cabinet posts are usually filled by supporters and people with experience, but I just can’t fathom how this man has experience in housing. And housing is one of the main areas of concern, especially in our area.

Let’s hope he is a quick study on the housing issues that concern the American people.

Rose Carey

Delmar

Jeff Sessions, attorney general

Jefferson Beauregard Sessions would be my pick to ask questions of, which I hope would enable me to believe he would be a worthy successor to Loretta Lynch as attorney general of the United States. One of Lynch’s strong points was to emphasize helping to protect the individual citizen’s voting rights, along with civil rights and pursuing justice for all Americans.

My questions to Session would include: How can we trust you to protect citizens’ voting rights after you voted against extending the federal mandate to certain states requiring they submit plans to the Justice Department before passing anti-minority laws – as North Carolina has done.

How can you assure us you will vigorously enforce constitutional protections for all citizens – including woman’s rights and the LGBT community?

Will you advise the president when he makes unconstitutional claims that you would have to apply to him?